A good fleece is the piece of clothing most of us reach for from October to March. It goes over a T-shirt for a dog walk, under a coat on a cold morning and on its own in the pub. Weird Fish, which started out in Cornwall in 1993, has built much of its reputation on exactly this kind of comfortable, outdoorsy layer, and its men’s range this season includes everything from fluffy borg zip-throughs to slim grid quarter-zips.
Weird Fish has also teamed up this season with England and Sale rugby star Ben Curry, whose rugged lifestyle on and off the pitch the brand says fits its hard-wearing, practical clothing. Several of the fleeces below appear in that edit. Here we compare seven men’s styles on fabric, features and price so you can choose the one that suits how you will wear it.
In this guide
- Seven Weird Fish Fleeces Side by Side
- Nash: The Retro Borg Quarter-Zip
- Fletcher: A Borg Jacket for Colder Days
- Newark: The Slim Grid Classic
- Longmont: Grid Fleece With a Pattern
- Errill: Textured and Wind-Ready
- Tyburn: The Sherpa-Lined Shacket
- Channing: Maximum Cosiness
- How to Choose Your Fleece
- Delivery and Returns
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Seven Weird Fish Fleeces Side by Side
Details and prices are taken from weirdfish.co.uk at the time of writing. Many pieces were reduced when we checked, so the second price column may change.
| Fleece | Type | Key features | Full price | Price when checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nash | 1/4 zip borg | Jacquard retro pattern, breathable mesh lining, zipped hand pockets | £85 | £51 |
| Fletcher | Full zip borg | Mesh lining, ripstop panels, zipped chest and hand pockets | £80 | £48 |
| Newark | 1/4 zip grid | Heat-trapping grid weave, contrast inner neck, metal fish zip pull | £60 | £33 |
| Longmont | 1/4 zip grid | Square and stripe woven design, brushed back, zipped chest pocket | £60 | £33 |
| Errill | 1/4 zip textured | High neck against wind, lightweight warm layer | £60 | £33 |
| Tyburn | Fleece shacket | Sherpa fleece lining, button front, chest and hand pockets | £90 | £63 |
| Channing | Full zip cosy | Extra fluffy fleece, bungee pull zip, hand pockets | £65 | £45.50 |
Nash: The Retro Borg Quarter-Zip
Our lead image shows the Nash 1/4 Zip Jacquard Borg Fleece, the most eye-catching piece here. Weird Fish describes it as warm and soft but still breathable thanks to its mesh lining, and the jacquard gives it a retro pattern that stands out from plain fleeces. Zipped hand pockets keep your phone and keys safe outdoors, and the chest carries silicone branding. It is 100% polyester, machine washable at 30 degrees, and the Sandstone colour we checked was offered in sizes S to 5XL.
Fletcher: A Borg Jacket for Colder Days
If you want a fleece that works more like a jacket, the Fletcher Full Zip Borg Fleece is the one to look at. The fluffy borg outer is broken up with contrast ripstop panels for a more technical, outdoorsy look, and the breathable mesh lining is there so you stay warm without overheating. It has zipped hand pockets and a zipped chest pocket, which makes it practical for walks where you do not want to carry a bag. See the Fletcher borg fleece.
Newark: The Slim Grid Classic
The Newark 1/4 Zip Grid Fleece is what Weird Fish calls an instant feel-good favourite. Its grid weave uses geometric shaping to hold on to heat, while staying a relatively slim layer that fits easily under a coat. Each colour has a contrasting inner neck, and a metal fish zip pull adds a small brand detail. It is made from 88% polyester and 12% viscose, and the relaxed fit gives it an easy weekend look.
Longmont: Grid Fleece With a Pattern
The Longmont 1/4 Zip Stripe Grid Fleece takes the grid idea and adds a woven mix of squares and stripes. Weird Fish suggests it for dog walks, errands or a pint at your local, and it has a zipped chest pocket and a brushed back inner for extra softness. At the same full price as the Newark, it is the choice if you want a little more visual interest.
Errill: Textured and Wind-Ready
The Errill 1/4 Zip Textured Fleece is described by the brand as giving you everything you would want from a jumper. Its high neck helps protect against the wind, and it uses what Weird Fish calls warm-locking technology while staying light enough to layer. It is a good pick for coastal walks or anyone who finds a standard collar too low on breezy days.
Tyburn: The Sherpa-Lined Shacket
Not every fleece has to look like a fleece. The Tyburn Check Fleece Shacket is a shirt and jacket hybrid with a super-soft Sherpa fleece lining that keeps you warm and acts as a wind cheater. It buttons up the front and has buttoned chest pockets and hand slip pockets. It is the most expensive style here, but it can replace a light jacket on dry autumn days. Shop the Tyburn shacket.
Channing: Maximum Cosiness
When Weird Fish calls something cosy, it means it. The Channing Cosy Full Zip Fleece is the fluffiest of the group, with hand slip pockets, a bungee pull zip and an embroidered chest logo. It is the one to wear around the house, by a fire pit or on a cold evening when comfort matters more than a slim fit.
How to Choose Your Fleece
- For a warm layer that works like a jacket, choose a full-zip borg such as the Fletcher.
- For something slim to wear under a coat, choose a grid fleece such as the Newark or Longmont.
- For windy days, the high-necked Errill offers extra protection.
- For a smarter look, the Tyburn shacket passes as an overshirt.
- For pure comfort at home or around a fire, go for the Channing.
Delivery and Returns
Weird Fish offers free UK standard delivery on orders over £60, otherwise it costs £3.95. UK express delivery is £6.00 and free on orders over £100, with exclusions. UK returns are free, which makes it easier to try two sizes or colours and send one back. Most of the fleeces are 100% polyester and can be machine washed at 30 degrees.
Conclusion
Weird Fish has a fleece for almost every situation, from the retro Nash and jacket-like Fletcher to the slim Newark and the sherpa-lined Tyburn. Decide whether you want a quarter-zip to layer or a full-zip to wear as outerwear, then pick the fabric that matches how cold your days get. With many styles reduced at the moment, now is a good time to look. Browse the full Weird Fish range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Weird Fish fleece is the warmest?
The borg styles, Nash and Fletcher, and the fluffy Channing are the thickest. The Tyburn shacket is lined with Sherpa fleece.
What is a grid fleece?
A grid fleece, such as the Newark, uses a geometric weave that Weird Fish says holds on to heat while staying relatively slim.
Does Weird Fish offer free delivery?
Yes, UK standard delivery is free on orders over 60 pounds, and UK returns are free.
How do I wash a Weird Fish fleece?
The fleeces we checked are machine washable at 30 degrees.
